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David Silva says the Manchester City players are to blame for early European exit

David Silva says the Man City players, not Roberto Mancini, must accept responsibility for the club's European exit.

Last Updated: 15/12/12 2:34pm

David Silva: Admits Manchester City squad underperformed in the Champions League

City will take no part in continental competition in the New Year after finishing bottom of their group in the UEFA Champions League.

The reigning Premier League champions have now failed to make the knockout stage in consecutive campaigns, with an expensively-assembled squad struggling to get to grips with life among Europe's elite.

Much of the criticism for City's failings has been aimed in the direction of Mancini, with the Italian's Champions League record making for dismal reading.

Silva, though, believes it is wrong to lay the blame at the manager's door, with the players having failed to deliver after being entrusted with the responsibility of generating results.

"We're responsible for what has happened," said the Spain international.

"The way we played in the Champions League - we all have to take the blame for that.

"It didn't start well in the Champions League and it became an uphill task. But you can't just blame the manager.

"All I would say is that since I joined City up to now we have made progress with Roberto."

Medals

A derby defeat to Manchester United last weekend has left City six points adrift of the Red Devils in the Premier League title race and Silva admits retaining their crown would represent a significant achievement for City from this position.

A man who has won the European Championship and World Cup with his country, added: "It would be right up there with all the other big competitions that I've won.

"Winning the Premier League is seen as a big thing. It would be a great achievement to retain it. I've been lucky I've won a lot of medals but I'd still like to win more."